By Alexandria Leatherberry
The Truth Reporter
On Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, publisher Stayce Fowler called for Toledo to “wear its story” during the launch of Pursuit Magazine at the Fifth Third Center on One Seagate. The debut marked the publication’s arrival with an inaugural fashion show designed as both a community celebration and contribution benefiting Connecting Kids to Meals.
Fashion trendsetters and style enthusiasts gathered in the building’s lobby, where biographies of the magazine’s contributing writers framed the mixing. The evening reflected a fusion of journalism and design, inviting guests not only to be witnesses to emerging fashion trends but also to participate in the publication’s mission by submitting their own stories for consideration.
Mistress of ceremony, Valerie Simmons Walston, ThD, narrated the runway presentations highlighting the Community Impact models who were notable local contributors. Designs showcased a diverse range of aesthetics from participating fashion houses: Revelheir, Satrangi, Simply D’Vine Boutique, Sophia Lustig, Vivian Kate, Mfinity Fashion, internationally recognized designer David Tlale, and Speak Truth Clothing.
Fowler has become a recognized contributor to Toledo’s media and economic development through her community-centered storytelling. Her publications have consistently elevated voices from underrepresented communities, resulting in a Toledo City Council resolution recognizing Stalwart Magazine and other Black-owned media outlets for their role in enriching public discourse and amplifying diverse perspectives.
The Pursuit will expand the voices represented in Toledo by featuring stories from three large urban media municipalities: Atlanta, New York and Los Angeles. The Pursuit will connect big city ideas with the Toledo community to enrich the metropolitan development possibilities, validating the initiative with the invested support of the reemerging fashion scene of Toledo.
Fowler revealed the first issue display of the on-trend focus feature of Micah Lee, owner of Revelheir, captured by Israel Douglas following an interview documented by Andre Matthews. “These stories are those of who have limited resources but unlimited determination,” stated Fowler during the reveal. Emphasizing the commitment to community building through journalism positioned The Pursuit to be the central point of business development and innovation discovery.
